1. What is Equivalent Resistance?

Equivalent resistance is the total resistance of a circuit when multiple resistors are connected together. For parallel circuits, the equivalent resistance is calculated using the reciprocal sum of individual resistances.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the parallel resistance formula:

Where:

• \( R_{eq} \) — Equivalent resistance (ohms)
• \( R_i \) — Individual resistances in the parallel circuit
• \( n \) — Number of resistors in parallel

Explanation: In a parallel circuit, the equivalent resistance is always less than the smallest individual resistance in the circuit.

3. Importance of Equivalent Resistance Calculation

Details: Calculating equivalent resistance is essential for circuit analysis, designing electrical systems, troubleshooting circuits, and ensuring proper current distribution in parallel networks.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter resistance values separated by commas (e.g., "10,20,30"). All resistance values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What happens if I enter zero resistance?
A: Zero resistance would create a short circuit. The calculator requires all resistance values to be greater than zero.

Q2: Can I calculate series resistance with this calculator?
A: No, this calculator is specifically designed for parallel resistance calculation. For series circuits, simply add the resistances together.

Q3: What is the minimum number of resistors needed?
A: You need at least two resistors to form a parallel circuit. The calculator will work with any number of resistors ≥ 2.

Q4: How accurate are the results?
A: The results are mathematically precise based on the input values. The calculator rounds to 4 decimal places for display purposes.

Q5: Can I use this for AC circuits with reactive components?
A: This calculator is for DC circuits with pure resistances. For AC circuits with capacitors and inductors, you need to calculate impedance instead of resistance.